Gaming System and Game Controller

ABSTRACT

A game controller for a multiple player terminal game system comprising: a terminal exchange adapted for data communication with a plurality of player terminals whereby players enter game play instructions; a random result generator; a memory module storing two or more sets of game play rules, each for a different game adapted to use the random number generator; and a game rule selector controllable by an operator to select one of the sets of game play rules to apply to game play by all players.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australia Patent Application No. 2008900954 having a filing date of Feb. 27, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Game systems having multiple player terminals to enable more than one player to simultaneously participate in a game are known. Known multi terminal game systems comprise a plurality of player terminals in data communication with a single game controller having a random result generator for generating a random result on which game outcomes are based.

There is a need for an alternative multi terminal game system in order to maintain or increase player interest and enjoyment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect there is provided a game controller for a multiple player terminal game system comprising:

a terminal exchange adapted for data communication with a plurality of player terminals whereby players enter game play instructions;

a random result generator;

a memory module storing two or more sets of game play rules, each for a different game adapted to use the random number generator; and

a game rule selector controllable by an operator to select one of the sets of game play rules to apply to game play by all players.

In an embodiment the game controller is adapted to provide game data including a random result generated by the random result generator and game play rules for the selected game to each player terminal, to enable each player terminal to evaluate a game outcome for the player of the game terminal. For example, each player terminal can included an outcome evaluator adapted to process the random result and the game play rules in accordance with the game play instructions input be the player to evaluate game outcomes for the player of the terminal.

In an alternative embodiment the game controller further comprises an outcome evaluator adapted to apply the selected set of game rules to a result generated by the random result generator and game play instructions from each player to evaluate game outcomes for each player, and wherein the evaluated game outcomes are provided to each player terminal as game play data.

In an embodiment the random result generator is a mechanical random result generator. For example the mechanical random result generator may be one of: a roulette wheel, a card dealer, a dice roller and a spinning reel apparatus. Alternatively the random result generator may be a random number generator implemented in a software or firmware program or hard wired in an electronic circuit.

In an embodiment the memory module further stores a set of game graphics data corresponding to each set of game rules. The game graphics data corresponding to a set of game rules can also be selected in response to selection of the set of game play rules and provided to each player terminal for displaying game information to players.

In an embodiment the set of game play rules is selected in a restricted operating mode of the game controller wherein game play is inhibited. For example, the restricted operating mode of the game can be controlled by an authorized game operator.

According to another aspect there is provided gaming system comprising:

a plurality of player terminals adapted to enable a player to enter game play instructions to play a given game; and

a game controller comprising:

a terminal exchange in data communication with each of the plurality of player terminals;

a random result generator;

a memory module storing two or more sets of game play rules, each for a different game adapted to use the random result generator; and

a game rule selector controllable by an operator to select one of the sets of game play rules to apply to game play by all players.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of gaming comprising the steps of:

receiving game play instructions from one or more of a plurality of players;

generating random result; and

evaluating game outcomes for each player based on game play instructions for each player, the random result and a preselected set of game rules,

wherein the preselected set of game rules are selected from two or more sets of game rules each for a different game by an operator and the preselected set of game play rules is applied for all players.

The method can further comprise the step of an operator preselecting a set of game rules from two or more sets of game rules.

According to another aspect there is provided computer program code which when executed causes a computer to implement a computer implemented gaming method as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment, incorporating all aspects of the invention, will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi terminal game system

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a game controller for a multi terminal game system

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a game play process for the multi terminal game

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of a process for switching the playable game for a multi terminal game system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a game controller and multi terminal game system adapted for the play of more than one game and switchable between the games wherein each game applies the same random result generation process to game outcomes. At any one time all players of the game machine play the one game using the same random result generation process. The game available to play can be selected by the casino operator this enables the casino operator to easily vary the games available for play to provide variety or accommodate patron preferences without changing physical game machines.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the multi terminal gaming machine 100 comprises a controller 150 which is in data communication with a plurality of player terminals 180. The controller 150 includes the random result generator 110, a memory 170 storing game play rules 120, 130, 140 for two or more games, a processor 190 that processes the game play instructions and random results generated by the random result generator 110 in accordance with game play rules 120, 130, 140 and outputs game play outcomes to the player terminals 180. The game play rules 120, 130, 140 can be stored as program code in a memory 170 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.

The random result generator 110 may be a mechanical random result generator such as a roulette wheel, dice roller, card shuffler and dealer etc. Alternatively the random result generator may be an electronic random number generator either hardwired or hard-coded to generator random numbers or a processor executing software to generate random numbers.

Each of the player terminals 180 includes the components required for a player to enter game play instructions which can include wagers to play the games. Each player terminal can include a credit mechanism 182 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, a player input mechanism 187 to enable a player enter game play instructions and a display 185 and/or other outputs for displaying game information and outcomes to the player.

The credit mechanism 182 may include a coin or token input chute or bill collector and matching dispenser, or alternatively a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

The display 185 may be a video display unit, such as a cathode ray tube screen device, a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit. Other output mechanisms can include lights or panel of illuminated symbols and speakers for audio outputs. A player terminal may be provided with more than one display unit or type of output mechanism for example a player terminal may be provided with a screen type display and another form of display such as a series or lights or a panel of selectively illuminated symbols. Different game information may be communicated by each display.

The player input mechanism 187 can be any suitable form of user input mechanism which enables a player to input game play instructions, for example a bank of buttons for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, a key board or keypad, switches, a touch screen etc. The player input mechanism may include one or more input interfaces some of which may be specific to particular games and disabled if any other game has been selected, such that any operation of the input interface is ignored. For example, for an embodiment where the random result generator is a card dealer, a “Hold” button may be provided for use in a poker game and this button disables for an alternative game where there is no “Hold” option.

The memory 170 stores a plurality of sets of game rules 120 130 140 each set of rules enables a different game to be played using the same random result generation process. The memory can also store other game information such as graphical data for use in displaying game outcomes or providing game information, such as how to play the game or wagering options, to players. Game information such as graphical information may be downloaded and stored in memory of individual player terminals when the game is selected to minimize data transfer from the controller during game play.

The game to be played is selected by an operator, for example by a casino operator during a restricted access or maintenance mode of the game machine during which play is inhibited. Alternatively the game can be selected during an initialization phase of a game machine, for example during a start up phase each morning before the gaming venue opens for business. For example, a casino operator interface can be provided to enable the casino operator to switch games. For example, a physical control panel may be provided to enable the operator to actuate one or more buttons or switches to select the desired game, or to enable the operator to input game switching instructions to the game controller processor. Alternatively the casino operator interface may be implemented in game controller software and accessible via a casino gaming network from a control centre, whereby the operator can send instructions to the game controller to switch games.

An embodiment of a game controller 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The game controller 200 comprises a random result generator 210, a processor 290, memory 270, meters 215 for regulatory monitoring and a casino operator interface 295 for use by an authorized operator for game selection and maintenance purposes. A plurality of sets of game rules 220 230 240 are stored in memory 270. Optionally sets of graphics and other game information associated with each game 225 235 245 are also stored in memory 270. The memory 270 can also store player data 250 such as wager data and game play instructions received from each player.

The processor 290 includes an outcome evaluator 265, a game rule selector 260, a terminal exchange 280 and, optionally, a display controller 285. For example, the outcome evaluator 265, game rule selector 260, terminal exchange 280 and display controller 285 may be implemented in a software program or sets of instructions executable by the processor. The game selector 260 is adapted to control which set of game rules are used by the outcome evaluator 265 to evaluate game outcomes for each player. The game selector can also control which game graphics or other optional game data are displayed on player terminals. The output evaluator 265 is adapted to apply the selected set of game rules to a generated result and player instructions to determine game outcomes for each player. The terminal exchange 280 is in data communication with a plurality of player terminals 180, and is adapted to handle data transfer between the individual player terminals 180 and the game controller 200.

Each of the sets of game rules 220, 230, 240 stored in memory are suitable for use with the random result generated by the result generator 210. The controller is adapted to only allow one game to be selected for play and all players play the one game. For example, all players can place wagers on the outcome of a single result generation instance, such as a dice roll. The outcome determined for each player is dependent on the generated result, the game rules for the game being played and the wager placed by the player.

Although in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 the outcome evaluator 265, game rule selector 260, terminal exchange 280 and display controller 285 are all implemented as functions of the game controller processor, alternative architectures are envisaged. The outcome evaluator 265, game rule selector 260, terminal exchange 280 and display controller 285 may be implemented using a variety of different hardware, firmware and software configurations are all are envisaged within the scope of the present application. For example, a game outcome evaluator hardwired or coded with specific game rules may be proved for each game, in this embodiment the game rule selector may be a switch adapted to connect the random result generator with the game outcome evaluator for the selected game. For example each outcome generator may be a hardware circuit or programmable logic device hardcoded to implement a give set of game rules. A generated result and player data are input to the outcome evaluator which transforms the generated result into one or more game outcomes for each player. In another example, the terminal exchange 280 may be implemented as an independent server or communication hub for data communication between a plurality of player terminals 180 and the game controller 200.

An example of a game play process is illustrated with reference to FIG. 3. A game is initiated by the opening of a betting interval 310 during which players of the game may place wagers and input game instructions 320 in accordance with the rules of the selected game. The game instructions are recorded in game memory. At the conclusion of the betting interval, betting closes 330 in anticipation of the random result generation. A random result is then generated 340 and the result output form the result generator to the outcome evaluator. The outcome evaluator evaluates outcomes for each player 350 by applying the game rules for the selected game to the generated random result and player wager and game play instructions to determine at least one game outcome for each player 350. For example, for a roulette game one player may have wagered ten credits on red or black whereas another player has wagered five credits on a particular number being rolled as the result, thus a different game outcome will be determined for each player based on a roulette wheel spin result. Each player's game outcome is displayed on their player terminal 360 and any prizes awarded in accordance with the game outcomes. This concludes the instance of the game and the betting can be opened again for the next instance of the game to be played.

The game selector 260 controls which set of game rules are read from memory and applied to determine game outcomes. The game rules applied for the game are controlled by the game selector 260 in accordance with instructions entered by an operator via the operator interface 295. The operator, such as a gaming venue manager or service person, can use the operator interface 295 to place the gaming system in a restricted operating mode where no game play is allowed for switching games. A new game can be selected from a menu of available games using the operator interface 295. Once a different game is selected the game selector records the selected game and can control any subsequent downloading of game data, such as graphics, wagering instructions and play guidelines, to the player terminals.

An example of the process used for switching games is illustrated in FIG. 4. The operator places the system in a restricted operating mode 410, wherein no games are played. The operator selects the game to be played using the operator interface 420. The selection can be made in any appropriate manner, for example by pressing a button indicating the game selection, setting a hardware switch, selecting a game from a menu, or inputting a game code. Once the game is selected the game rule selection is recorded in the game rule selector 430 and appropriate actions taken by the game rule selector to ensure the correct game rules will be applied to game play.

For example, in an embodiment where game outcomes are determined for each player by a processor in each player terminal, the game selector can control the deletion of any previously stored game rule set from each player terminal memory and downloading of the newly selected game rule set. Alternatively the game selector may update a game rule pointer to the address for the newly selected set of game rules stored in the player terminal memory. In this embodiment each a player terminal includes an outcome evaluator, which can be a set of outcome evaluation instructions executable by a player terminal processor to apply the set of game rules for the game being played. The outcome evaluation instructions are executed by the player terminal processor in response to receiving result data from the terminal exchange to apply game rules to transform generated result data into one or more game outcomes for the player based on the player's game play instructions. Any game data for the newly selected game can be downloaded 440 to player terminals and stored 450 in local player terminal memory for use during game play.

Optionally, a test game 460 may be triggered while in the restricted operation mode to ensure that the game has been successfully switched and all player terminals display the correct game data. The operator can then exit the restricted operation mode 470 so the system can be used for game play.

In an embodiment the operator interface 295 can also be used to output information such as game statistics or tracking data which can be used to compare the popularity of different games provided by the system. For example, if the statistics show that the system is more popular when one game is made available than for another game or that different games are more popular at different times of the day, then the casino operator can use this information to plan a game switching schedule. The statistics can be derived from player data 250 stored in system memory 270 during game play.

It should be appreciated that switching games results in a different set of game rules and game data being applied to results from the same random result generation process. The same random result generator is used for each game. Metering and regulatory monitoring can be fixed for the random result generator independent of the game being played. This enables random result generator already approved for the use in one game to be applied for another game without requiring further regulatory approval, thus reducing the burden to obtain regulatory approval for the other game.

Further, for embodiments using mechanical random result generation, the system enables the game being played to be switched to better interest players without having to update the mechanical random result generator.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in any country. 

1. A game controller for a multiple player terminal game system comprising: a terminal exchange adapted for data communication with a plurality of player terminals whereby players enter game play instructions; a random result generator; a memory module storing two or more sets of game play rules, each for a different game adapted to use the random number generator; and a game rule selector controllable by an operator to select one of the sets of game play rules to apply to game play by all players.
 2. A game controller as claimed in claim 1 adapted to provide game data including a random result generated by the random result generator and game play rules for the selected game to each player terminal, to enable each player terminal to determine a game outcome for the player of the game terminal.
 3. A game controller as clamed in claim 1 further comprising an outcome evaluator adapted to apply the selected set of game rules to a result generated by the random result generator and game play instructions from each player to evaluate game outcomes for each player, and wherein the evaluated game outcomes are provided to each player terminal as game play data.
 4. A game controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein the random result generator is a mechanical random result generator.
 5. A game controller as claimed in claim 4 wherein the mechanical random result generator is one of: a roulette wheel, a card dealer, a dice roller and a spinning reel apparatus.
 6. A game controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory module further stores a set of game graphics data corresponding to each set of game rules.
 7. A game controller as claimed in claim 6 wherein game graphics data corresponding to a set of game rules is selected in response to selection of the set of game play rules and provided to each player terminal for displaying game information to players.
 8. A game controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein the set of game play rules is selected in a restricted operating mode of the game controller wherein game play is inhibited.
 9. A game controller as claimed in claim 8 wherein the restricted operating mode of the game is controlled by an authorized game operator.
 10. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of player terminals adapted to enable a player to enter game play instructions to play a given game; and a game controller comprising: a terminal exchange in data communication with each of the plurality of player terminals; a random result generator; a memory module storing two or more sets of game play rules, each for a different game adapted to use the random result generator; and a game rule selector controllable by an operator to select one of the sets of game play rules to apply to game play by all players.
 11. A gaming system as clamed in claim 10 wherein the game controller further comprises an outcome evaluator adapted to apply the selected set of game rules to a result generated by the random result generator and game play instructions for each player to evaluate game outcomes for each player, and wherein the evaluated game outcomes are provided to each player terminal.
 12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10 wherein each player terminal includes an outcome evaluator and wherein game data provided to each player terminal includes a random result generated by the random result generator and game play rules for the selected game, to enable the player terminal outcome evaluator to evaluate a game outcome for the player of the game terminal.
 13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the random result generator is a mechanical random result generator.
 14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the mechanical random result generator is one of: a roulette wheel, a card dealer, a dice roller and a spinning reel apparatus.
 15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the memory module further stores a set of game graphics data corresponding to each set of game rules.
 16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15 wherein game graphics data corresponding to a set of game rules is selected in response to selection of the set of game play rules and transmitted to each player terminal for displaying game information to players.
 17. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the set of game play rules is selected in a restricted operating mode of the game controller wherein game play is inhibited.
 18. A gaming system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the restricted operating mode of the game is controlled by an authorized game operator.
 19. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: receiving game play instructions from one or more of a plurality of players; generating random result; and generating game outcomes for each player based on game play instructions for each player, the random result and a preselected set of game rules, wherein the preselected set of game rules are selected from two or more sets of game rules each for a different game by an operator and the preselected set of game play rules is applied for all players.
 20. A method as claimed in claim 19 further comprising the step of an operator preselecting a set of game rules from two or more sets of game rules.
 21. Computer program code which when executed causes a computer to implement a computer implemented a gaming method as claimed in claim
 19. 